Danielle Dunlap

danielle-dunlap

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Danielle “Dani” Alexis Dunlap, age 25, died on April 28, 2013. Danielle was born in Nuremberg, Germany on January 30, 1988 to Vallera M. Gibson and Allan Dunlap. Danielle lived in California, South Carolina, and Texas before moving to Atlanta, G.A. She attended Christ Lutheran Elementary School, Brown Middle School and Benjamin E. Mays High School. Danielle was a dynamic and motivated student. In the fall of 2009, she entered Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island where she studied neuroscience in pursuit of her life-long dream to become a physician. In May of 2010, Danielle received her B.S. in Neuroscience from Brown University. Her interest in world cultures and desire to be of assistance to those in need led to her pursuit of public service opportunities with the Peace Corps. On June 6, 2011 Danielle arrived in Ghana, West Africa for service. Throughout her time in Ghana, Danielle carried out activities aimed at improving the quality of life for her community in the areas of nutrition, HIV/AIDS, malaria awareness, and sanitation. Danielle led a project whose mission was to raise funds and develop plans to build a medical health clinic in the village where she served. Danielle successfully raised the funds needed to build the clinic. The clinic is currently under construction, and the village residents will name the clinic in honor of the name they bestowed to Danielle, “Mama Grace.” Danielle was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Atlanta. Her celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 11 AM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 3050 Cascade Rd. SW, Atlanta. Instate 10 AM. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the church at 10:30 AM on the day of service. Danielle is survived by her mother, Vallera M. Gibson, father, Allan Dunlap, step-mother, Daniela Dunlap, sister, Mia Dunlap, grandfather Dr. John Gibson, grandmother Ms. Martha Dunlap, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

I am so sorry about your daughter. My Danielle, lost her life as well while serving in the Peace Corp. so I can say I know your pain. Pray. Pray. Pray. Each day is so hard that I know that it is not easy to even get up. But for your daughter’s legacy and mine, TRY! Please know you are in my prayers.

As a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia 09-11 all I can say is I am so sad for your family. I can say from experience that the Peace Corps was among the best days of my life. Know that despite this tragedy your daughter loved what she did, was loved by her community both local and Peace Corps and became an even better and more mature person then when she left the US. She was already an amazing young woman. RIP Danielle and Thank you for your sacrifice!